 | Dr. Ray Lansdowne a Wichita native, attended Friends University, graduated from Baylor University College of Dentistry, and served in the Air Force as a dentist before taking over an existing Pediatric Dentistry practice in Wichita. Although Dr. Lansdowne does not specialize in children's dentistry, he holds a special place in his heart for serving children's dental needs. Currently, he is the first General Dentist to serve as Trustee for the A.A.P.D. (American Assoc. of Pediatric Dentistry). Alpha Omega Dental Center at 250 N. Tyler Rd., is a state of the art Family Dental Practice. He is active in numerous dental organizations and has served on various committees, boards and in elected office for local, state and national dental organizations. Reach him by e-mail at rlansdds@aol.com or fax at (316) 729-2754. |
Dental
2003-01-01 11:40:00
Grinding teeth at night
: My wife grinds her teeth much of the time when she is asleep. Is this a common condition? It seems like it would destroy her teeth. What causes her to do this? What is the treatment?
ANSWER: The condition you describe regarding your wife grinding her teeth while asleep is termed "Nocturnal Bruxism". It has been estimated that Bruxism may be present in 5% to 20% of the total population with a higher incidence in patients with certain sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea. Dentists have found visible evidence of bruxism in at least 10% to 20% of the population and it is found approximately equally between the sexes.In some cases, local anatomic factors, such as malocclusion (a bad bite) or skeletal malformations (improper upper and lower jaw relationship), play a role. In some persons the central nervous system is a causative factor. There are psychological factors with some cases and on a short-term basis, stress of various kinds may induce or aggravate bruxism. Bruxism is three times more predominate in allergic children than in non-allergenic children. The resultant malocclusion (from mouth breathing) may create a continuation of bruxism into adulthood unless proper occlusion has been established.You are absolutely correct in your evaluation that it could destroy her teeth. Besides the obvious wear on the biting surfaces of the teeth, teeth are often crowned when the bruxism results in the fracture of a cusp from a posterior tooth. There is also a theory of tooth structure loss at the gum line caused by bruxism and/or clenching of the teeth termed Abfraction. Previous theories regarding this loss of tooth structure implicated toothpaste and/or toothbrush abrasion.As far as the treatment is concerned, the diagnosis of the cause is of first priority. Treatment may consist of correction of the position of the teeth and jaws to bring the teeth, jaw joint and the muscles of chewing into harmony. If the teeth are more severely worn, it may be necessary to crown those so worn. Any missing teeth should be replaced to keep teeth from shifting and creating more interference with the bite. A multidisciplinary approach may be necessary to evaluate neurological implications, psychological factors, sleep apnea, or allergy involvement. The first evaluation should be with one's general dentist as the majority of the causes are dental in nature. Your dentist will be able to coordinate any therapy involving other professionals should that be a necessity.
